Moving to Singapore with PEP

[expatamerican66]

Hi. I am new here on the forums so please bear with me if this has been asked and answered before. I am a US citizen currently on expat assignment in Taipei with large MNC in a executive level role. Due to personal and professional reasons, I would like to relocate to Singapore. My research shows that I would be eligible to apply for a PEP (income well above the $18K/month, advanced degree etc). Is my understanding correct that I can apply for the PEP while still outside Singapore? I do have a local contact as required. And that with the PEP I can enter SG and stay for 6 months in order to find a job? Just checking here to see if anyone has done this before? Of course the other option is to come in on my passport (90 days) and look for a job and have the employer sponsor the EP which I assume is not difficult if I land a similar job as the one I have now.

[bgd]

Your understanding is correct.

PEP or tourist pass?

If you think you can find work within the 90 days (no guarantee you actually get 90 days - up to the guy on the counter) then go with a tourist pass. Don't know your situation but finding roles here can be difficult and time consuming if you don't have contacts. Otherwise get a PEP.

The reason not to get a PEP is that it can be used only once and may be useful once you are employed. I applied for a PEP when my role was looking a little uncertain. On an EP you get 30 days to sort out your affairs or find another role. A PEP gives you 6 months.

Once a PEP expires you need to move to an EP. No issues in my case.